First detection of H5 bird flu in local Australian bird

First detection of H5 bird flu in local Australian bird

H5 bird flu has been detected in a local Australian bird for the first time, after a Greater Crested Tern tested positive for the virus in South Australia this morning. 

The dead bird was found by a member of the public in Robe on South Australia’s Limestone Coast on Tuesday, and lab testing has since confirmed it was carrying the deadly H5 bird flu strain. It’s the first detection of H5 bird flu in a resident Australian bird species and the first evidence of the virus spreading to local wildlife.  No other dead birds were found nearby, and there is no evidence of mass mortality among local wildlife. Since its first detection of H5 bird flu in Australia on 14 June, 12 other birds have tested positive for the virus – all seabird species from sub-Antarctic islands that rarely come ashore.  

Greater Crested Terns, however, are common and widespread across coastal Australia. While they do venture into the deep ocean, they are mostly found on ocean beaches or in sheltered bays and rarely travel far inland. Greater Crested Terns nest and roost in dense colonies of a thousand birds or more, making them especially vulnerable to the virus – which can spread rapidly through high-density bird populations.  

Testing and monitoring is still underway to determine the extent of the virus and whether the disease has spread to other local wildlife. Last week, the South Australian Government conducted the largest aerial survey of the state’s coastline, islands and reefs in four decades, and found no evidence of widespread sickness or mortality in more than 30,000 seabirds and seals. 

BirdLife Australia has met with the SA Government to provide expertise and advice, and we are continuing to advocate for practical actions that must be taken to protect Australian bird species.

Avoid, Record, Report 

Right now, vigilance is key – and Australians are encouraged to learn the signs and symptoms of H5 bird flu to help monitor and prepare for potential outbreaks.  

Any signs of unusual illness or death in wild and domestic birds should be recorded and reported immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888. These include: 

• Difficulty breathing, standing, walking or flying 
• Abnormal posture 
• Discharge from the eyes and nose 
• Diarrhoea, and 
• Poor coordination. 

Any dead or dying birds – especially seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey, or numerous dead birds found in one location should also be reported.   

Do not touch any sick or dead animals. 

If you see a bird with suspected H5 bird flu, keep your distance – do not touch or take sick or dying animals into your care, and keep dogs away from any carcasses.   

To learn more about H5 bird flu and what it means for humans, birds and wildlife in Australia, visit our dedicated H5 bird flu information hub.